Coroner to Examine Deaths in Queensland Mining and Resources Sector
A new mining and resources coroner will focus on safety, investigations, and faster answers for families after workplace deaths.
The reinstated coroner’s role in Queensland aims to enhance mining and resources worker safety at mine, quarry, petroleum, and gas sites, with a justice service to cater to mandatory coronial inquests.
The state government expects the coroner to deliver answers to grieving families sooner and make recommendations to prevent workplace deaths occurring in the future.
The coroner’s jurisdiction will also examine the circumstances of death by suicide where it is in the public interest to investigate.
Attorney-General Deb Frecklington added that when there are no sector-specific deaths to investigate, the coroner could help ease pressures on the justice system by performing other coronial duties.
Author's summary: New coroner to improve mining sector safety.